A very old family friend of mine would like to return to Canada. He is living in the USA as of now, but 15 years ago, he skipped out on a court date due to an alleged assault charge (while living in Canada). He then took all of his belongings and fled to America. As a bit of background information, he had just gone through a messy divorce, and his ex-wife would not rest till he was behind bars. Thus, I would like to know what the statute of limitations are in Ontario, Canada, regarding skipping a set court date (Essentially fleeing the country). He is now 70 years old, and was a Canadian citizen for 45 years of his life. I would hate to see such a petty crime be the reason that he can't spend the rest of his life in the land he loves.

Once court action has begun there is NO limitation of the time the case can run.
Basically the action cannot be avoided by fleeing the country.

Is there any chance that he will not be jailed or excessively fined? He is old after all, is there not a chance of a lesser sentence? Any chance of deportation? I made an error in my earlier post, he is a German Citizen by birth, and has been a Canadian resident for 45 years.

He would hire a attorney in Canada, who would work out a deal with the Crown on him turning his self in and have a bond set so he will not go straight to jail.

He will next have to actually face a trial o the original assult charge, and then face charges for skpping bail.

NO one can say if he will go to jail or not, that will be up to the court on the several charges he will face